Machhkund Police seized 214 kilograms of contraband cannabis (ganja) being illegally transported inside a specially constructed secret chamber of a Bolero pickup truck.
Police arrested the driver, identified as Rinku Pangi, a resident of Baddural village under Mudulipada police station limits in Malkangiri district. The Bolero pickup truck used in the crime was also confiscated on the spot.
According to police sources, actionable intelligence was received regarding a large consignment of ganja being trafficked from Malkangiri toward outside states via the Machhkund route. Acting promptly on the tip-off, a police team set up a strategic roadblock (nakabandi) near Hanumal village to inspect passing vehicles.
During the vehicle checking drive, officers flagged down a suspicious Bolero pickup truck. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a cleverly designed hidden compartment, from which 214 kg of packaged ganja was recovered. The entire seizure procedure was executed in the presence of a local magistrate to maintain legal protocol.
Police stated that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to trace the original source of the contraband, identify its intended destination outside the state, and uncover other key operatives involved in the smuggling syndicate.
